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For years now, nothing has been heard from Nigerian gay rights activist, Bisi Alimi. However recently, who came public about his sexuality on October 4, 2006 during a TV interview with media entrepreneur, Funmi Iyanda recounted the experience while been grateful to the talkshow host.
Alimi, who is counting down to his wedding in November, wrote on Instagram that the encounter with Funmi is one of 30 things he is grateful for.
“On the 6th October 2004, I sat on that sofa with Funmi Iyanda and I came out. I was a 29 years old boy, just graduating from university with a prominent role in ‘Roses and Thorns’ a soap series on Galaxy Television,” the now 41-year-old wrote.
“I lost everything after coming out, but I gained today. Life was preparing me for a journey beyond my expectations”.
The University of Lagos graduate became the first Nigerian gay man to appear on Nigerian national television as a guest on New Dawn with Funmi, a talk show on the NTA.
That same year, Alimi had been diagnosed with HIV, and on the show confirmed his homosexuality and asked for acceptance from the public.
His decision to come out of the closet generated both admiration and death threats.
Consequently, Alimi was disowned by his family and most of his friends – including some in the gay community – and ejected from his home.
He subsequently relocated to the UK.
Also, New Dawn’s live format was cancelled. Future guests on the pre-recorded version were screened by NTA executive producers to avoid what was considered “causing public offence”
